Late traumatic displacement of laser in situ keratomileusis flaps

PURPOSE: To report the occurrence, management, and outcome of late-onset traumatic dehiscence and dislocation of laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) flaps. METHODS: Two interventional case reports of patients with late-onset LASIK corneal flap dislocation after ocular trauma occurring at 7 and 26 months after surgery, respectively. RESULTS: The flaps were lifted, stretched, and repositioned after irrigation and scraping of the stromal bed and the underside of the flap. A bandage contact lens was placed, and topical antibiotic and corticosteroids were given postoperatively. The dislocated corneal flaps were successfully repositioned in both cases. The patient whose dislocated flap was repositioned 4 hours after the trauma recovered his uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA) of 20/20 1 week after the procedure and had a well-positioned flap with a clear interface. The patient who was managed 48 hours after the injury required repeat flap repositioning at 10 and 24 days after the initial procedure for treatment of persistent folds and striae in the visual axis. His uncorrected visual acuity 2 weeks after the third flap repositioning was 20/40 + 2. Diffuse lamellar keratitis developed in both patients that resolved with the use of topical corticosteroids. CONCLUSION: Laser in situ keratomileusis corneal flaps are vulnerable to traumatic dehiscence and dislocation, which can occur more than 2 years after the procedure.     

Successful delayed surgical revision of a dislocated LASIK flap.

A 53-year-old woman presented with decreased vision and light sensitivity in the left eye for 3 months' duration. The patient had injured her left eye 7 months after laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK), causing a traumatic flap dislocation that had not been repositioned. Three months after the injury, the LASIK flap was successfully repositioned with extensive intraoperative epithelial debridement and the use of flap sutures. Uncorrected visual acuity improved from 20/200 and J12 preoperatively to 20/60 and J1 postoperatively. This case illustrates that, although immediate flap repositioning is always recommended, a dislocated LASIK flap can be successfully repositioned even months after the trauma with an excellent visual outcome.     

Traumatic flap dislocation 4 years after laser in situ keratomileusis

We present a case of late traumatic flap dislocation 47 months after laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK). This is the latest reported case of traumatic LASIK flap dislocation to date. The patient was examined 5 days after being struck in the face and found to have a flap dislocation. The flap was repositioned surgically, and postoperatively the patient had 20/20 visual acuity and no visual complaints.     

准分子激光原位角膜磨镶术后早期角膜瓣皱褶的处理

目的:探讨准分子激光原位角膜瓣镶术(laser in situ kera-tomileusis,LASIK)后早期(1d)角膜瓣皱褶的处理。方法:针对LASIK术后早期出现的17例角膜瓣皱褶病例在表麻下重新掀瓣复位后加戴治疗性角膜接触镜,术后点用1g/L氟美童滴眼液及3g/L盐酸左氧氟沙星滴眼液。术后24h去除角膜接触镜。结果:经过上述处理后所有患者裸眼视力均达到或超过术前预期最佳矫正视力,角膜瓣重新恢复平整,位置正常,皱褶消失,无上皮植入。结论:LASIK术后早期角膜瓣皱褶是较常见的LASIK术后并发症之一,一旦发生,常影响患者术后视力。在处理上应及早掀瓣重新复位。     

Traumatic flap dislocation 4 years after LASIK due to air bag injury

PURPOSE: To report a patient who developed corneal flap dislocation following air bag injury 48 months after LASIK. METHODS: Evaluation by slit-lamp microscopy and fluorescein angiography. RESULTS: A 29-year-old man was treated after air bag injury that occurred 48 months after LASIK. Examination revealed corneal flap dislocation, with severe folds and flap edema. Preoperative visual acuity was finger counting at 1 m. Visual acuity was 20/400 24 hours after repositioning the corneal flap. Retinal angiography revealed Berlin macular edema, which was injected with periocular steroids. Five days after injection, visual acuity remained 20/400, but improved to 20/40 1 month after injection. CONCLUSIONS: Significant trauma can dislocate a corneal flap many months after surgery.     

Late-onset traumatic flap dislocation and diffuse lamellar inflammation after laser in situ keratomileusis

PURPOSE: To report a case of traumatic flap partial dislocation and subsequent diffuse lamellar inflammation 14 months after laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) retreatment. METHODS: Case report of a late flap dislocation that occurred during routine recreational activity (struck with a finger in the right eye while playing basketball). RESULTS: The partially dislocated LASIK flap was reflected nasally, and the stromal surfaces of the flap and bed were thoroughly scraped to remove debris and epithelial cells. The flap was repositioned, and a bandage contact lens was placed. Diffuse lamellar inflammation, which developed on post-trauma day number two, was successfully treated with frequent topical steroids. Three weeks after the injury, the patient had regained 20/20 uncorrected visual acuity. CONCLUSIONS: Patients should be appropriately warned of the possibility of late flap dislocation with traumatic forces encountered during routine recreational activities. Full visual recovery is possible if the dislocation is promptly diagnosed and appropriately managed.     

LASIK术后角膜瓣移位皱折的处理

目的:探讨LASIK术后角膜瓣移位、皱折的治疗方法。方法:在手术显微镜下去除角膜基质裸露区新生的角膜上皮组织,刮除角膜瓣皱折处上皮,BSS液瓣下冲洗,使角膜瓣展平,覆盖透氧角膜接触镜。结果:经治疗的19例患者角膜瓣复位良好,视力较LASIK术后无下降。结论:及时正确地治疗,可以避免严重的并发症并获得良好的视觉结果。     

Late-onset traumatic dislocation with central tissue loss of laser in situ keratomileusis flap

PURPOSE: We report the occurrence and outcome of a severe late-onset traumatic dislocation of a laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) flap with loss of central flap tissue. METHODS: Case report. RESULTS: A 40-year-old woman underwent uncomplicated bilateral LASIK surgery, followed 5 years later by an enhancement procedure in both eyes. Ocular trauma with a power sander occurred 6 years after LASIK and 1 year after the enhancement procedure. The flap was found to have an almost complete tear from the nasal hinge and a central tissue defect. After irrigating, repositioning, and stabilizing the flap with 2 nylon sutures, a bandage contact lens was placed. The patient was treated with topical antibiotic and steroid drops. Stage 2 diffuse lamellar keratitis developed, which responded to topical treatment. Ten weeks after injury, the patient regained an uncorrected visual acuity of 20/20-1. CONCLUSION: Late-onset trauma to the LASIK flap can result in flap dehiscence and tissue loss. Prompt and appropriate management can lead to an excellent visual outcome even in severely traumatized dislocated LASIK flaps.     

Traumatic late flap dehiscence and Enterobacter keratitis following LASIK

PURPOSE: To report a case of traumatic flap dehiscence and Enterobacter keratitis 34 months after LASIK. METHODS: A 36-year-old man sustained a flap dehiscence following traumatic right eye gouging by a seagull claw. He presented the following day with uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA) in the affected eye of 3/200 and organic foreign body deposits underneath the flap. Systemic and topical antibiotics were administered and urgent surgical debridement and replacement of the LASIK flap was performed. An Enterobacter species was cultured from an intraoperative swab. RESULTS: After a prolonged postoperative course, including administration of topical ofloxacin, tobramycin, chloramphenicol, and dexamethasone, UCVA returned to 20/20. CONCLUSIONS: Good visual outcome after early debridement and appropriate antibiotics was achieved. Patients should be injury advised to seek prompt ophthalmic consultation after LASIK.     

Late traumatic flap dislocations after LASIK

PURPOSE: To report the management and outcome of late onset traumatic dislocation of LASIK flaps. METHODS: This retrospective, interventional case series presents three patients with late onset LASIK flap dislocation following mechanical trauma 1 to 7 years postoperatively. RESULTS: In all cases, the flap was surgically repositioned. Epithelial ingrowth was removed and diffuse lamellar keratitis was treated with an intensive steroid regimen. All patients returned to their preoperative best spectacle-corrected visual acuity. Aggressive steroid treatment during the perioperative period and meticulous handling of the epithelium are important in preventing further recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: Laser in situ keratomileusis flaps may experience mechanical dislocation as late as 7 years postoperatively. Diffuse lamellar keratitis and epithelial ingrowth are associated with flap dislodgment.     

Late-onset traumatic laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) flap dehiscence

PURPOSE: To report a case of laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) flap dehiscence following focal trauma six months after uneventful refractive surgery. METHODS: Case report. A 37 year old man was seen one day after a tree branch snapped tangentially against his left cornea causing a dehiscence of his LASIK flap. RESULTS: The flap was repositioned after treating the exposed flap stroma with a 50:50 mixture of distilled water and balanced salt solution. The patient regained 20/20 uncorrected visual acuity. CONCLUSIONS: Patients should be informed about the potential for traumatic flap dehiscence following LASIK surgery and advised to wear eye protection when appropriate. Due to minimal wound healing except at the edges of the flap, corneal flap dehiscence may occur months or years after uneventful LASIK.     

Acinetobacter and Staphylococcus aureus ulcerative keratitis after laser in situ keratomileusis treated with antibiotics and phototherapeutic keratectomy

PURPOSE: To report a method of treatment for through-the-flap multibacterial ulcerative keratitis after laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK). METHODS: Bacterial ulcerative keratitis after LASIK was treated with topical and systemic antibiotics followed by flap lifting, cleaning, and phototherapeutic keratectomy (PTK). Follow-up examinations included in vivo confocal microscopy, corneal topography, and wavefront analysis. RESULTS: Rapid recovery of the ulcerative keratitis was observed after flap lifting and cleaning of the interface and PTK combined with topical and systemic antibiotics. Two years postoperatively, corneal topography showed a slight depression of the ulcer area and decentration of the photoablation. Wavefront analysis revealed an irregular scan with a pronounced coma-like aberration, which with a wavefront-guided custom test lens correction provided 20/16 visual acuity. CONCLUSIONS: Ulcerative bacterial keratitis is a possible sight-threatening complication of LASIK refractive surgery. Lifting and rinsing the flap combined with cleaning of the flap interface with PTK may be helpful in these conditions when regression of the ulcer does not occur with topical and oral antibiotic treatment.     

LASIK术后角膜瓣下上皮植入的处理

目的:探讨LASIK术后角膜瓣下上皮植入的发生及处理。方法:回顾分析2633例5134眼LASIK术后角膜瓣下上皮植入的19例32眼的处理及预后情况,对上皮植入范围超过2mm,角膜瓣边缘荧光素染色阳性的9例15眼,在手术显微镜下去除角膜瓣边缘1mm范围的上皮,清除瓣下植入上皮,BSS液瓣下冲洗,展平角膜瓣,覆盖透氧角膜接触镜。结果:手术处理的15眼角膜瓣复位良好,患者视力较LASIK术后无下降。结论:及时正确地治疗,可以避免严重的并发症并获得良好的视觉结果。     

Mycobacterium interface keratitis after laser in situ keratomileusis

PURPOSE: To report the clinical course, management, and outcome of infectious interface keratitis caused by mycobacterium species after laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK). DESIGN: A small noncomparative interventional case series. PARTICIPANTS: Five eyes in four patients who underwent LASIK in different locations around the world and had culture-positive mycobacterium keratitis develop. INTERVENTION: The LASIK flap was lifted or amputated, samples were submitted for Ziehl-Neelsen acid-fast stain and Lowenstein-Jensen's agar cultures for diagnosis; topical treatment with fortified clarithromycin and amikacin was administered until clinical resolution. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Time periods from onset to diagnosis and from diagnosis to clinical resolution, and the final visual acuity. RESULTS: Onset of symptoms of infection occurred after a mean of 20 days (range, 11 days-6 weeks) after LASIK or an enhancement procedure. Definitive diagnosis was obtained after a mean period of 4.5 weeks (range, 12 days-8 weeks) from onset. Keratitis resolved within 8.4 weeks (range, 1-18 weeks) of treatment with fortified clarithromycin and amikacin. Corticosteroids were found to worsen and prolong the course of disease. In four of five eyes the LASIK flap was amputated. CONCLUSIONS: Mycobacterial keratitis is a potentially vision-threatening complication after LASIK, characterized by a long latent period, delayed diagnosis, and a protracted course even under intensive specific antibiotic therapy. Inclusion of specific culture media and staining protocols for mycobacteria, along with aggressive treatment on diagnosis, including lifting or amputating the LASIK flap, culturing, topical fortified clarithromycin and amikacin, while avoiding corticosteroids, may significantly improve resolution of the infection and potentially improve the visual outcome.     

Wavefront-guided surface ablation with prophylactic use of mitomycin C after a buttonhole laser in situ keratomileusis flap

PURPOSE: To describe the surgical outcome of a patient who had a previous buttonhole after laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) and 3 months later, had wavefront-guided photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) with topical mitomycin C 0.02%. METHODS: A 38-year-old man underwent bilateral LASIK for correction of myopic astigmatism. A buttonhole in his right eye LASIK flap occurred, but the surgeon decided to proceed with ablation due to the small size of the buttonhole. After LASIK, the patient complained of monocular diplopia in his right eye with 20/30 best spectacle-corrected visual acuity. Wavefront analysis showed a large amount of higher order aberrations, especially coma. Slit-lamp examination revealed a moderate buttonhole scar. Three months after LASIK, the patient underwent wavefront-guided PRK with application of topical mitomycin C 0.02% on the stromal bed, for a duration of 2 minutes. RESULTS: One month after wavefront-guided PRK, his uncorrected visual acuity was 20/25 in the right eye, with no symptoms. Best spectacle-corrected visual acuity in the right eye was 20/15 with +0.25 -0.50 x 110 degrees. No haze or scar was seen on slit-lamp examination. Wavefront analysis showed a decrease in higher order aberrations, especially coma and spherical aberration. CONCLUSIONS: Wavefront-guided PRK with prophylactic topical mitomycin C was effective in treating a patient with visual symptoms and loss of BSCVA after a LASIK flap buttonhole. No delayed epithelial healing, side effects or complications were noted due to mitomycin C.     

Corneal lamellar flap retraction after LASIK following penetrating keratoplasty

PURPOSE: To describe a case of lamellar flap retraction after laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) to correct myopia and astigmatism after penetrating keratoplasty (PKP). METHODS: Eleven months after PKP, a 34-year-old man underwent uneventful LASIK. Preoperative manifest refraction was -5.50 + 4.00 x 55, giving a best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) of 20/20. Three days after LASIK, the central cornea was clear with a 1- to 2-mm displacement and marked swelling of the inferior edge of the lamellar corneal flap, without central striae. The patient's uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA) was 20/60. The flap was repositioned, sutured with 6 10-0 nylon interrupted sutures, and covered with a bandage contact lens. RESULTS: Five months after the repair, the cornea was clear, UCVA was 20/400, and manifest refraction was -9.50 + 6.00 x 75, giving a BCVA of 20/60. Three years later, manifest refraction was - 9.00 + 4.00 x 70, giving a BCVA of 20/40+2. CONCLUSION: In LASIK surgery after PKP, there is a risk of flap edema leading to retraction of the transplant wound. It may therefore be advisable to wait at least 1-2 years after PKP before performing LASIK. Patients who have corneal transplants should also be warned that they might have unique risks in LASIK treatment that may result in the loss of vision.     

Traumatic flap displacement and subsequent diffuse lamellar keratitis after laser in situ keratomileusis

A 45-year-old man was struck in the left eye by the edge of a paper shopping bag 3 weeks after having laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK). The injury resulted in partial displacement of the LASIK flap. The patient developed diffuse lamellar keratitis (DLK) the day after the flap was repositioned. By day 4, visual acuity diminished to 20/60. By day 9, the clinical evidence of the DLK had resolved, and by day 15, uncorrected visual acuity was 20/20. Eye trauma 3 weeks after LASIK can result in displacement of the LASIK flap, and DLK can develop following flap replacement. Long-term anatomic and visual results are usually good.     

Traumatic corneal flap dislocation one to six years after LASIK in nine eyes with a favorable outcome

PURPOSE: To report our experience treating eye trauma after LASIK refractive surgery. METHODS: Nine eyes of eight patients (one woman and seven men) were treated for ocular trauma: blunt trauma (n=5), sharp instrument trauma (n=2,) and trauma from inflation of automobile air bags during a traffic accident (n=2). The time from LASIK varied between 3 months and 6 years. All patients were hospitalized as a result of severe decrease in visual acuity and pain. RESULTS: Seven of nine LASIK flaps had some degree of dislocation and were lifted, irrigated, and repositioned. Two flaps were edematous without dislocation. Intensive topical steroids and antibiotics were used in all patients up to 3 weeks after trauma. Three months after trauma, five eyes regained their pre-trauma visual acuity (between 20/20 and 20/40), and three eyes lost one line of best spectacle-corrected visual acuity. CONCLUSIONS: Trauma occurring several months or years after LASIK may cause flap injury. Adequate and prompt treatment usually is successful.     

Traumatic flap displacement after LASIK

CASE REPORT: We present a case of traumatic displacement of corneal flap in the superior temporal quadrant 13 days after LASIK. The flap was repositioned after gentle irrigation of BSS, cleaned the interface and then drying the flap to verify its stability. In the next day the flap was adhered, clear cornea,smooth and visual acuity without correction was 1.00. DISCUSSION: We should try immediately to reposition the flap after traumatic displacement, as in this case.     

Epithelial folds following slippage of LASIK flap

We present a case of a slipped corneal flap after laser-assisted in-situ keratomileusis, LASIK. A 22-year-old, female with myopia and a refractive error of -5.50 D sph OU had an uneventful LASIK performed on her left eye with a Chiron Automated Corneal Shaper (ACS) and a VISX-Star Excimer laser using a nasal hinged flap. On the first postoperative day, slit lamp examination revealed 4.0 mm slippage of the corneal flap. The flap was rolled and folded on itself within the inferior cul-de-sac. With the aid of the operating microscope, the flap was repositioned on the stromal bed. Immediately following the repositioning, many folds were still visible despite centering the flap on the stromal bed and performing stretching maneuvers. Detailed examination showed the folds to be of edematous epithelial origin. The underlying stromal bed was flat. Within days following repositioning, the folds had disappeared and the flap assumed the typical postoperative LASIK appearance. The final uncorrected visual acuity returned to 20/20.